TRAZODONE

INDICATIONS

Trazodone is used for treating depression. It may also be used for relief of an anxiety disorder (eg, sleeplessness, tension), chronic pain. Trazodone is an antidepressant. It is thought to increase the activity of one of the brain chemicals (serotonin), which helps elevate mood.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use Trazodone as directed by your doctor.

• Take Trazodone shortly after a meal or light snack.
• It may take 1 to 4 weeks for Trazodone to work. Do not stop taking Trazodone without checking with your doctor.
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible. If several hours have passed or if it is nearing time for the next dose, do not double the dose to catch up. If more than one dose is missed, restart medication and advise your doctor or pharmacist at your next appointment.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Trazodone.

STORAGE

Store Trazodone at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in a tight, light-resistant container. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Protect from temperatures above 104 degrees F (40 degrees C). Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Trazodone out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Do NOT use Trazodone  if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Trazodone or nefazodone
• you are taking sodium oxybate (GHB).

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Some medical conditions may interact with Trazodone . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart disease including irregular heartbeat or have had a heart attack
• if you have a history of depression or suicidal tendencies
• if you are scheduled to have surgery
• if you consume alcoholic beverages.

Some medicines may interact with Trazodone . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Carbamazepine, ethanol, ginkgo biloba, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine) because side effects, such as increased drowsiness or blurred vision, may occur
• Buspirone, carbamazepine, digoxin, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine), or sodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Trazodone
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because they may decrease Trazodone’s effectiveness. Your doctor may want to adjust your dose while taking Trazodone .

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Trazodone  may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

Important safety information:

• Trazodone  may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Trazodone  with caution. Do not drive or perform other possible unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Trazodone; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Trazodone may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Trazodone closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; panic attacks; or any unusual change in mood or behavior occur. Contact the doctor right away if any signs of suicidal thoughts or actions occur.
• Tell your doctor or dentist that you take Trazodone before you receive any medical or dental care, emergency care, or surgery.
• Trazodone should not be used in children younger 6 years; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed. nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have heart disease including irregular heartbeat or have had a heart attack
• if you have a history of depression or suicidal tendencies
• if you are scheduled to have surgery
• if you consume alcoholic beverages.

Some medicines may interact with Trazodone . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Carbamazepine, ethanol, ginkgo biloba, HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir), phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine), or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine) because side effects, such as increased drowsiness or blurred vision, may occur
• Buspirone, carbamazepine, digoxin, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), itraconazole, ketoconazole, nefazodone, serotonin reuptake inhibitors (eg, fluoxetine), or sodium oxybate (GHB) because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Trazodone
• Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) because they may decrease Trazodone’s effectiveness. Your doctor may want to adjust your dose while taking Trazodone .

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Trazodone

Important safety information:

• Trazodone
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Trazodone; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Children, teenagers, and young adults who take Trazodone may be at increased risk for suicidal thoughts or actions. Watch all patients who take Trazodone closely. Contact the doctor at once if new, worsened, or sudden symptoms such as depressed mood; anxious, restless, or irritable behavior; pan

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

Blurred vision; constipation; decreased appetite; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; general body discomfort; headache; incoordination; light-headedness; muscle aches/pains; nausea; nervousness; sleeplessness; stomach pain; stuffy nose; swelling of the skin; tiredness; tremors.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); blood in urine; chest pain; fainting; hallucinations; irregular heartbeat; light-headedness when rising from a lying or seated position; prolonged, inappropriate, or painful erections; seizures; shortness of breath; stroke; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.